Neuroscience

This is one of the foundational papers that established the more medicalized brain disease model of addiction (which AA and treatment facilities would borrow from, if I were to put it lightly. Hijack is a more appropriate term)

Dr. Marc Lewis promotes a model for addiction based around deep learning—the process by which our brain deeply integrates thoughts, beliefs, and actions when doing or experiencing something impactful, over and over again, or both. This model stands in contrast to the idea that addiction is brain disease, unable to be cured—only treated—and that demands indefinite abstinence from all mind altering substances.

Unsurprisingly, a study found that (N=5.806) found that both D’s and R’s overestimate the opposing party’s approval of morally abhorrent acts.

“Learning that opponents condemn basic moral wrongs reduces dehumanization and fosters interest in cross-partisan cooperation. Correcting this bias could combat political dehumanization.”

Key Facts:

1. Moral Misjudgment: Both parties overestimate opponents’ approval of immoral acts.

2. Survey Findings: Correcting this bias reduces dehumanization and promotes cooperation.

3. Social Media Impact: Use of words referencing immoral acts has increased, especially post-2016.

This goes along with the suggestion from that Glutamate & MDD lecture I love on YouTube given to psychiatry med students where the lecturer/professor claims that glial cells are the real stars in much of the processes that are major areas of study right now in mental illness.

Astrocytes regulate synaptic plasticity, which is essential for learning and memory. Their dysfunction can lead to significant cognitive decline.

Also, the researchers referring to themselves as Computational Neuroscientists—just a heads up!